795. Jinger Gottschall, New Balance Director of Sports Research

"If you’re writing my obituary, whoever’s in charge, please include this! Because I feel very proud of it!" You probably know her as the adorably sweet and oftentimes aloof Erin Hannon, from The Office. Or maybe you know her as the scrappy, can't-keep-me-down titular character on The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. She played Becca on Bridesmaids, she co-hosts the Great American Baking Show, she's a New York City-based mom of two — and now, Ellie Kemper is a marathoner. In this conversation, Ellie talks about how she fell in love with running. She talks about her first race, and then her second, and about her spur-of-the-moment bit of motivation that got her to sign up for the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. (Mid-race, Ellie said "never again." Now? Don't be surprised if you see her lining up for a second go at 26.2.) Ellie shares every detail from her training, her race, her biggest surprises from the day, and so much more. LOLs guaranteed. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend: Register today for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, and youth races, taking place February 25–26, 2023. Use code ONTHERUN for 10% off your race registration! What you’ll get on this episode: How Ellie is feeling two months post-marathon (3:00) Ellie’s “movie moment” from the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon (7:05) How Ellie became a runner (10:55) What’s next for Ellie on the run? And how did she train for a marathon with a busy schedule and two young kids? (18:50) Why Ellie decided to run the New York City Marathon, and what her training was like (21:30) On getting recognized on the run (32:00) What Ellie listens to on the run (42:00) How Ellie was feeling as training ramped up (50:15) All about New York City Marathon race morning (55:50) Ellie breaks down every detail from her race (1:05:00) Ellie’s advice for aspiring marathoners (1:23:45) All about Ellie’s senior thesis (1:28:40) What surprised Ellie most about marathon training (1:33:00) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

12 Tammi 20231h 37min

"It shouldn’t be this tough. It doesn’t need to be this tough. You shouldn’t need that much toughness to succeed. Of course you need to have drive and need to work hard and all those things. That’s not the kind of toughness I’m talking about. I’m talking about dealing with the unnecessary obstacles that a lot of female athletes are faced with." Welcome to the new "Run Your Way" series on the Ali on the Run Show. If I've learned anything (and I have, I swear!) from 600 episodes of this show, it's that yes, there are best practices and there is plenty of good running-related advice to go around. Ultimately, though, the best way to run is your way, however that looks. This series will explore what it means to run your way. First up: former professional athlete and all-around force to be reckoned with, Lauren Fleshman, whose book, Good For a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World, is out today. In this conversation, Lauren dives into some of the key themes of the book, and talks about what it was like pouring her heart into these pages, and doing so during a deep depressive time in her life. She shares the most pivotal moments and decisions she faced both during and after her professional career, and explains how she found her way on the run and off. Plus, her best advice for sending the email, her take on the state of the sport in 2023, and so much more. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to shop New Balance's latest releases for the season. (The SuperComp Trainer is my favorite shoe!) What you’ll get on this episode: On dealing with imposter syndrome (3:35) The part of the book that made me gasp (5:30) What it means to be called “tough” (8:15) How Lauren wrote a book during a major depressive episode, and why writing this book “kicked her ass” (9:40) What Lauren’s relationship with running is like now (15:10) How Lauren talked to her kids about depression (16:00) How writing a book changed Lauren’s relationship with writing (17:30) Who has read Lauren’s book? (21:40) On getting vulnerable in the book, and the stories knew had to be in the book (26:00) Did life ever feel easy for Lauren? (34:45) Lauren talks “sending the email” (38:00) Lauren’s message to people raising young girls (45:15) How Lauren sees the state of the sport today (49:00) Lauren's previous appearances on the Ali on the Run Show: "Motherhood LIVE," with Alysia Montaño, Steph Bruce, and Dawn Harper-Nelson, May 2021 "Why It's An Exciting Time for Women's Running," LIVE at the NYRR RunCenter, November 2019 Lauren Fleshman & Jesse Thomas, August 2019 Meet Lauren Fleshman, October 2018 Follow Lauren: Instagram @fleshmanflyer Twitter @laurenfleshman Facebook Work, Play, Love podcast Strava Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

10 Tammi 20231h 2min

"I remember telling my friend that my goal in life is to be able to make everyone happy, and to be everything that everyone needs. And he was like, 'That sounds exhausting and impossible.' And I was like, 'Watch me! I can do it! I will bring joy to the masses!' And now, a year later, I’m like, 'What was I thinking? That DOES sound exhausting!'" Happy New Year! I kick off the start of every year here on the Ali on the Run Show with my annual review, of sorts. I call it the State of the Ali on the Run Show. It gives me a chance to reflect on the previous year, and set goals and intentions for the one ahead. By the numbers: In 2022, I released 135 episodes of the Ali on the Run Show, plus an additional eight episodes on Patreon, with 114 different guests. I hosted nine live shows — eight in person, one virtual — and partnered with 15 different brands and companies. In addition to regular episodes, 2022 saw the return of two listener-favorite series (Love on the Run and Ask Ali), and the introduction of three new series (Beyond the Run, Friendship Fest, and 26 Questions). The show saw 6.3 million downloads in 195 countries, and this week, the Ali on the Run Show surpassed 17 million lifetime downloads. Thank you for being here to help me celebrate the past, present, and future of the Ali on the Run Show. I promise to keep learning, growing, and showing up for myself, for this business, for the running community, and for all of you. SPONSORS: UCAN: Use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon, & 10K: Registration is now open for the 2023 events and the Ali on the Run LIVE Show with Emma Bates! What you’ll get on this episode: The Ali on the Run Show in 2022, by the numbers (2:45) My personal and professional highlights from 2022 (23:25) Revisiting my 2022 goals: What did I accomplish, and what did I totally forget? (30:00) The results of the 2022 Ali on the Run Show listener survey, completed by a whopping 1,111 listeners (36:00) What you can expect from the Ali on the Run Show in 2023 (54:00) My 2023 Ali on the Run Show mission statement (59:00) My 2023 hopes, dreams, plans, and goals (1:01:30) ASK ALI voicemail: 617-446-3966 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

5 Tammi 20231h 19min

A few weeks ago, I talked about my life with Crohn's disease. In that episode, I answered a listener question about the worst, most embarrassing, most inconvenient bathroom experience I've ever had. And I'm not going to tell that story again now — I'll spare you — but the short version is that I was very sick, I was living in New Jersey, and I traveled into Manhattan that day via ferry for a very exciting reason. It was late May 2017, and I was about to record Episode 33 of the Ali on the Run Show with Today show co-anchor Natalie Morales. I was giddy! This was a dream interview for me. I've always loved and admired Natalie Morales. I couldn't believe that she not only agreed to be interviewed for a brand-new running podcast, but also that instead of recording remotely, she invited me to the Access Hollywood studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Of course, the day wasn't without its drama for me. I had a traumatic Crohn's-related issue on the way into the city, and then, after buying a new outfit en route and then waiting in the 30 Rock lobby next to Sterling K. Brown (also a runner!), I was brought upstairs to wait for Natalie. I opened my laptop with all my research and carefully prepared questions — and the screen went dark. It couldn't be revived. That day, my body failed me, and then my technology failed me. I was rattled. There I was: brand-new to podcasting, sitting on a couch next to Natalie Morales, with no notes to guide me. I'm re-airing this episode today because it's one I reference often — not just because of the Crohnsing that took place that day. Mostly, because I was terrified. I was thrown off my game, for multiple reasons...and yet, nothing totally tragic happened. I took a deep breath, I trusted my [leaky] gut, and I did my best. And this conversation was the result. Was it perfect? Nope. But nearly six years later, I can still say that no episode is ever perfect. This one, though, is one I'm still proud of, and I hope you enjoy revisiting it. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville: Use code ONTHERUN10 for $10 off your registration for this year’s races, taking place April 22–23. Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

29 Joulu 202248min

"I’m very much a 'fall down eight times, get up nine' kinda girlie. I fall down a lot! I have a lot of mishaps. Races don’t always go the best for me. I’m still working on a few things. It was just nice to have this moment where everything came together." Last year, professional athlete Heather MacLean became a breakout star. The Team New Balance Boston athlete made her first Olympic team — every professional runner's dream. But with the ultimate high of getting to represent Team USA also came emotional lows. In this candid conversation, Heather talks about the pressure and expectations she felt heading into last year's U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials, and about the not-so-glamorous side of running for a living. She also talks about the post-Tokyo comedown and how she dealt with it. Then, we talk all things 2022: Heather's highlight reel, her first U.S. National title, and her first sub-4:00 1500m race in Monaco. Plus, setting boundaries, how to protect your space, and how to go through life as a people-pleaser who is friends with everyone. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to learn all about the conversations New Balance is having to promote mental wellness. What you’ll get on this episode: Heather recaps her trip to Hawaii for the Kalakaua Merrie Mile (5:55) Where Heather falls on the introvert vs. extrovert scale (9:00) Heather reflects on the summer of 2021, including the pressure and stress she felt heading into the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials (11:00) How it feels to be left off the pre-race prediction lists (19:30) Heather’s experience with the post-Olympics blues (27:00) Heather shares her 2022 highlight reel (38:40) Heather and Allie Wilson’s adventures in Monaco (41:55) Heather talks about winning her first U.S. National title, and what it meant to trust herself during a race (54:25) What Heather is looking forward to in 2023 (1:04:50) For more, check out: Allie Wilson on Episode 469 of the Ali on the Run Show Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, by Susan Cain Follow Heather: Instagram @Heather_MacLean31 Twitter @heathair31 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

23 Joulu 20221h 10min

"I went all-in. So if I failed, I could say I tried everything." Anoush Arakelian is a full-time director of product marketing, a running coach, and a coach at MYSTRYDE in her hometown of Boston, MA. And as of a few weeks ago, she's a 3:07 marathoner. ("I think I’m still processing that that’s my new time," she says.) Anoush ran a four-minute personal best at the California International Marathon earlier this month. Her first marathon, in 2014, was a 3:55. Now, 13 marathons later, she's learned a bit about running 26.2 miles. In this conversation, Anoush talks about what it has taken to slowly chip away at her marathon time, reflecting on the personal bests and personal worsts along the way. (Reminder: The road to that oh-so-rewarding finish line isn't always linear!) SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend: Register today for the marathon, half marathon, 5K, and youth races, taking place February 25–26, 2023. Use code ONTHERUN for 10% off your race registration! What you’ll get on this episode: How Anoush is feeling post-CIM (2:20) What Anoush’s first marathon experience was like (4:15) How Anoush’s relationship with running data has evolved over the years, and what her first experience working with a coach was like (13:20) Why Anoush decided to run CIM, and how she was feeling heading into training (19:10) How Anoush was feeling a few weeks out from race day (29:15) How Anoush has changed as a runner since her previous attempts at going sub-3:10 (34:30) All about Anoush’s experience running the 2022 California International Marathon (47:15) The moment when Anoush knew her goal was within reach (57:00) What’s next for Anoush? (1:06:00) Anoush’s coaching advice for aspiring spring marathoners (1:07:30) Anoush’s highlight — and lowlight — reel from 2022 (1:09:25) For more from Anoush, check out her previous appearances on the Ali on the Run Show: Everything You Need to Know About the New York City Marathon Live at the 2022 Boston Marathon with Anoush Arakelian and Emily Saul Girl Talk with Molly Seidel and Anoush Arakelian Follow Anoush: Instagram @noushy14 Twitter @AArakelian14 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

21 Joulu 20221h 16min

"The biggest takeaway is that I’m having fun. That is a huge thing! I forgot what it was like to just have fun with it and be playful and enjoy the ride." Maegan Krifchin, a professional runner for Atlanta Track Club Elite, had a big goal for this fall: run a personal best at the TCS New York City Marathon. She put all of her running eggs in that basket, training hard with that NYCM plan in mind. But come race day, things didn't go as planned at all. Maegan ran a 2:40:52, which was well off her goal time. She wasn't just unsatisfied — she wanted more, and she wanted it immediately. And so, Maegan decided to run the Philadelphia Marathon, just two weeks later. This time, things went much better. She ran 2:31:41, finishing in second place. Still, though, Maegan wanted more. And so, two weeks after that, she decided to head west in pursuit of a personal best. This time, Maegan lined up at the California International Marathon, where she got her day: She ran 2:29:21. A personal best. In this conversation, Maegan talks about how she managed to run three fall marathons without getting injured, and how she got faster each time. Plus, how she has stayed mentally sharp and strong, and her advice for staying in the race when the running gets tough. SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to learn all about the conversations New Balance is having to promote mental wellness. Follow Maegan: Instagram @mkrifchin Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

16 Joulu 20221h 5min

"It was just that moment in time where somebody saw something and wanted to help me and give back. And I try to do that with other people, too, because if I hadn’t been in that situation, I don’t know what I’d be doing now." Imagine getting to travel the world, attending major marathon race weekends and helping share the stories of the athletes, the races, and the people who make these events so special. That's the reality for Lorna Campbell, as the Head of Communications for Abbott World Marathon Majors, the race series comprised of the New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon, London Marathon, Tokyo Marathon, and Berlin Marathon. In this conversation, Lorna — who is originally from Scotland, lives in Rhode Island, and has a very cute story of how she met her husband at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics — talks about how she got this job, what her role entails, and all the jobs she had in various sports before making her way to the running industry. Plus, her reflections on her first year of motherhood (she's mom to one-year-old Harris), her feelings on the allure of the six-star challenge, and her take on the state of the running industry and running community right now. SPONSORS: UCAN: Click here and use code ALI for 20% off your next UCAN order. Vuori: Click here for 20% off your first Vuori purchase. St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville: Use code ONTHERUN10 for $10 off your registration for this year’s races, taking place April 22–23. What you’ll get on this episode: Lorna reflects on her first year of motherhood, and life as a newlywed (3:30) The very sweet story of how Lorna met her now-husband at the Olympics (7:45) What young Lorna was like, and how her childhood shaped her future (9:50) Lorna shares her career highlight reel (16:45) Who’s in Lorna’s village? (19:50) How Lorna got her job as head of communications with Abbott World Marathon Majors (24:00) What Lorna’s job entails on the day to day, and during race weekends (29:00) All about the World Marathon Majors six-star challenge, and how it’s evolved during Lorna’s time with the organization (35:40) How Lorna found running and became a runner — and why she still has a hard time calling herself a runner (42:50) How Lorna’s relationship with running has changed since having her son (48:00) Which of the six World Marathon Majors Lorna would most like to run (56:55) Lorna’s take on the state of the running industry and running community right now (1:00:45) Follow Lorna: Instagram @lornasportelle Twitter @LornaC1982 Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter Blog Strava SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

15 Joulu 20221h 18min